Newsflash

Celebrity Cruises’ Summit will be commanded by San Francisco native Kate McCue when it sails to Bermuda from the East Coast in August. The 91,000-ton ship carries more than 3,000 passengers and crew.

Not yet 40, McCue rose through the cruise line ranks to the position of Master Mariner. She's a graduate of California State University's California Maritime Academy.

Everyone at travel4seniors.com sincerely wishes Captain McCue smooth sailing and many more years of seagoing success. www.celebritycruises.com

Vegas Resort Fees Racket Adds More To Room Costs

Along with all the reduced customers, scared away by the coronavirus, Sin City decided to find another way to rob you. Resort fees at Bally’s, Flamingo, The LINQ Hotel and Harrah’s Las Vegas have been increased from $35 to $37 per night.

With resort tax, that extra nightly charge tops $41.95. It means that all the ads touting rooms at $99.99 will actually set you back at least $141.94 per night. And with coronavirus causing many of the famed Vegas buffets to close, you’ll need to search the Strip for any of the bargain buffets still open.www.usatoday.com/story/travel/hotels/2020/03/05/las-vegas-hotel-resort-fees-going-up-harrahs-caesars-properties

Try Traditional Singalong On A Long Road Trip With Kids

Because of the worldwide coronavirus scare, many travelers will opt for springtime auto journeys. If that’s your plan, fight the boredom of hours of long highway stretches by a singalong. Do it with old familiar songs, and lure the passengers away from today’s so-called music. No need for screaming discordant loud rock they must endure on TV, radio and thru smartphones.

For example, consider some oldie goodies with easy lyrics: You Are My Sunshine, Man On The Flying Trapeze, Four Leaf Clover, There’s A Tavern In The Town, The Gang’s All Here and others. You can find the lyrics online, then print sheets to hand out to riders in your car. You and your passengers will be happily surprised, especially young ones, at what time-passing roadie fun it can b

Fly Clean With Wipes & Never Use Aircraft Seat Pocket

Medical experts advise you to steer clear of that little holder bag on the back of the seat in front of you. Too often, bare feet, dirty diapers, outdated food and soiled underwear are stashed in them.

It’s also a good idea to take disposable medicated tissues aboard, and before you sit down, wipe off the headrest, seatbelt buckle and tray table. Also, when you gotta go into airport and aircraft toilets, wipe off the inside handle of the doors and other surfaces. With the spread of coronavirus, it’s always wise to fly as hygienically as possible, or not fly until the problem settles down.

Coronavirus Chow Crisis: Vegas Buffets To Shut Down!

As fears of the worldwide epidemic spread, one of Sin City's most popular traditions is being eliminated along the Strip: some of the most popular all-you-can-eat buffets. On March 15, MGM Resorts International will temporarily close the buffets in its hotels.

Until further notice, the posh buffets will be no more at the company's seven Strip hotels: ARIA, Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Luxor and Excalibur. Sorry, visiting Vegas foodies. You’ll have to survive with just a single serving until the panic eases and the buffets again reopen. www.usatoday.com/story/travel/hotels/2020/03/10/nevada-coronavirus-concerns-las-vegas-strip-resort-casino-buffets-close

Q: Coronavirus Scare Plus Stock Market Crash: What Can I Do?

With the world in a panic, what do you recommend for a confused and worried senior trying to make plans for springtime travel? JRMcK, San Antonio TX

A: The first impulse may be to hide under your bed and hope it will all go away soon. Seriously, more practical and economic ways may be to plan a driving trip to the Grand Canyon or a U.S. seashore destination. One positive part of the confused economy now is that gasoline prices are dropping dramatically.

Airline, cruise and hotel prices are also less because of loss of business due to the coronavirus panic and cancellations. If you’re determined to travel, check on some of the best bargains in years. However, be aware and take care of personal cleanliness and safety when you’re on the road, at sea and in the air.